[House  Bill  No.  311.] 

HOUSE  OF  REPRESENTATIVES,  Dec.  30,  1864.— Read  lirst 
and  secoud  times;  to  be  printed. 

[By  Mr.  Norton,  Committee  on  Military  Affairs.] 


A   BILL 

To  jyrovide  additional  Clothing  and  Privileges  to  Trooj/s  in  the  Field. 


1  Whereas  the  armies  of  the  Confederate  States  of  America, 

2  unawed  by  the  powerful  combinations  of  our  enemies,  or  the 

3  fearful  depreciation  of  the  national  currency,  continue  to  pre- 

4  sent  an  instance  of  lofty  patriotism  and  self-sacrificing  fidelity, 

0  unexampled  in  the  history  of  wars:  and  whereas  it  is  the  duty 

6  of  this  government  to  extend  to  all  its  actual  defenders  alike 

7  every  respect  and  consideration,  and  to  provide  them  with  every 

8  personal   comfort   not  incompatible  with   the  interests  of   the 

9  public  service:  Therefore, 

1  Section  1.   The  Congress  of  the  Confederate  States  of  Ame- 

2  rica  do  enact,  That  the  non-commissioned  officers,  musicians  and 
ii  privates  of  the  confederate  armies  in  the  field,  exclusive  of  re- 
4  serves,  details,  and  those  absent  without  leave, 'shall  be  provided 
^  each  with  one  complete  suit  of  uniform  clothing,  to  be  presented 

6  them  by  the  government,  in  addition  to  their  present  pay  and 

7  allowances,  as  an  expression  of  the  gratitude  of  the  nation  for 


2 

^  their  gallantry,  their  sacrifices  and  their  unflinching  devotion  to 

9  the  country. 

]  Sec.  2.   All  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  Confederate  States 

■i  armies,  who  volunteered  previous  to  the  passage  of  the  con- 

3  scription  act,  April  16th,  1862,  and  who  have  since  been  cou- 

4  tinuously  in  tlie  army,  except  while  absent  on  leave,  or  because 
-3  of  sickness  or  disability,  or  when  detained  by  imprisonment, 

6  shall  be  entitled  to  wear,  in  consideration  of  their  long  service, 

7  such  distinguishing  mark  or  badge  as  the  President  or  Secretary 
^  of  War  shall  designate. 


